The panel of community advocates and experts during the Kaya: Filipino American Town Hall Meeting. PHOTO BY MARITA ETCUBANEZ
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a White House briefing for nearly 200 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders earlier in the day, a group of political activists hosted a town hall meeting and reception for Filipino American leaders on March 14.
The host, Kaya: Filipino Americans for Progress, started with a panel of experts and invited guests that explored new and innovative ways to push for local and national priorities.
“People typically see the arts as being non-political,” said Liz Casasola, singer, actor, producer and founder of Broadway Barkada. “But this forum reaffirmed my belief that promoting self-expression through the arts can be a powerful tool in encouraging our fellow Pinoys to have the passion and courage to be effective advocates for the community.”
On the panel with Casasola were Dr. Kevin Nadal, mental health and LGBT advocate; Lourdes Santos Tancinco, immigration lawyer and founder of San Francisco Veterans Equity Center; and Gregory Cendana, immigration reform advocate and Executive Director of Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance.
Hawaii State Senator William C. Espero speaks at the panel of elected officials at the Kaya: Filipino American National Town Hall Meet. (From left to right) Kaya Adviser Melvin Tabilas; Senator Espero; Cerritos, California City Councilmember Mark E. Pulido; and Jersey City, New Jersey City Council President Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr. PHOTO BY JAY LAGRIA
The second panel featured Filipino American elected officials on all levels of government across the country.
The panel explained the important role elected officials play in representing all Filipino Americans in political negotiations that shape the Hawaii State Senator William C. Espero sat on the panel with Jersey City, NJ City Council President Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr.; and Cerritos, CA City Councilmember Mark E. Pulido.
“Today’s events allowed us to come together and discuss the need for a national network of Filipino American elected officials to increase the political empowerment of our community,” said Genevieve Jopanda, national co-chair of Kaya: Filipino Americans for Progress.
“We as a community need to use our growing numbers to get a seat at the table. To do that, we need to learn the science of elections and mentor our future generation by share that knowledge with aspiring Filipino American politicians,” Jopanda added.